Ohio Breweries by Rick Armon

Actual Brewing Co., a new brewery in Columbus that received its brewing license this week from the state, will have a beer featured Saturday (May 4) at the 10th annual Mini Real Ale Fest at Barley's Smokehouse in Columbus. Actual will serve Fat Julian, a chocolate imperial porter, which clocks in a 12 percent alcohol by volume.

"Actual Brewing is proud to be part of the Xth Annual Mini Real Ale Fest," brewer Fred Lee said in an email. "It's a Columbus institution and a perfect place to preview our French Oak Imperial Chocolate Porter. When [Barley's co-owner] Lenny Kolada said he could squeeze us in at the last minute, we were flattered but declined because we don't have a firkin, or know how to use the damn thing. Lenny loaned us one and the expertise of brewmaster Angelo Signorino. We had to do it. It was a great opportunity. Although it's just a preview, we're proud of this beer and hopefully the festival will like it."

The beer was aged in Taransaud Pinot/Cab Frech oak barrels, and has notes of Cabernet Sauvignon, caramel and dark chocolate, he said.

Meanwhile, Kolada said Weasel Boy Brewing Co. in Zanesville also plans to bring Anastasia Russian Imperial Stout, a beer that won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival last year. For more details about the event, including ticket information and a rundown of the beers, click here.